Bury Down iron age hill fort, pictured above, is a twenty minute walk from Botelet Farm.  At the top of the hill marked by two windswept thorn trees, the hill fort of Bury Down is thought to have been a meeting place of nomadic people who inhabited the land between the Tamar and the Fowey estuary.  It is possible that when relations became a little more civil, these same people moved down to the valley and established Botelet.  Archaeological digs have taken place at the fort and there is still much to be learnt.  It is said that a beacon was lit from here to relay the message of the Spanish invasion to Sir Walter Raleigh.  The panoramic view of the surrounding area can be enjoyed from the top and explains why it was an important vantage point.  

You may be especially rewarded by taking a stroll to the top at sunrise when only nature is awake and mist can often be seen in the valleys stretching from Dartmoor, Bodmin Moor and sections of the south coast to the English channel.  Try taking up a picnic or bottle of wine on a warm evening and you may experience a stunning sunset over the St Austell clay country (Cornish Alps!)

Schools, educational groups and visitors are encouraged to explore Environmental Stewardship conservation work in progress around the farm including the scheduled monument of Bury Down hill fort, orchards, woodland walks, Cornish hedging, medieval mill and mine ruins.  

We offer free visits for schools and pre-schools, working with teachers to create a programme of activities that link to their curriculum themes.  School groups visiting Botelet have previously enjoyed activities such as feeding chickens and collecting eggs, bark rubbings, identifying species of plants and mini bugs, building dens, making birds nests and tractor rides.  A member of the family will be on-hand to help you plan and facilitate your trip, please contact us to discuss your ideas and plan your visit.

Botelet has ample parking for visiting groups, a loo and washbasin as well as space inside a barn for eating lunch.  Help can be given with completing risk assessment forms.

Please contact us if you are interested in arranging an educational visit.